Nanotechnology: From nano-novice to nano-genius in 13 steps

by Andrew Maynard | May 26, 2009 | Communication, Environment, Nanotechnology, Oversight, Recommended

Back in April, the folks at the PBS station THIRTEEN asked me to answer 13 questions on nanotechnology and the environment for their website feature Green Thirteen.   The questions ended up covering most of nanotechnology – what it is, what it’s good for,...

Nanotechnology safety research funding on the up

by Andrew Maynard | May 21, 2009 | Nanotechnology, Policy

The unthinkable has happened!  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is poised to get $5 million in crisp new dollars for researching possible workplace risks arising from nanotechnology.  It may not sound like a big deal.  But believe...

Roll over nanotechnology, synthetic biology is coming!

by Andrew Maynard | May 18, 2009 | Emerging Technology, Nanotechnology, Recommended, Synthetic Biology

So you’re looking for a new technology concept—something that will stimulate research funding, make a buck or two, and maybe save the world—at least for another year or so.  What do you need? Here’s a quick checklist: Something that’s revolutionary. Evolutionary...

Control at the nanoscale: Smallness, strangeness and sophistication

by Andrew Maynard | Apr 29, 2009 | Emerging Technology, Nanotechnology, Rethinking Science & Technology

Part 5 of a series on rethinking science and technology for the 21st century Last time in this series of occasional blogs, I made the rather bold statement that while science and technology are going to have a highly visible impact on our lives over the next few...

Control: Gaining mastery over the world at the finest level

by Andrew Maynard | Apr 16, 2009 | Emerging Technology, Nanotechnology, Rethinking Science & Technology

Part 4 of a series on rethinking science and technology for the 21st century So far in this series of occasional blogs, I’ve covered coupling and communication—two of three “C’s” which together are challenging how science and technology are best used to serve...

Building better batteries, the Chinese way

by Andrew Maynard | Apr 2, 2009 | Emerging Technology, Environment, Nanotechnology

Reading yesterday’s New York Times, it seems China could well be poised to leapfrog the West in advanced battery technology (China Vies to Be World’s Leader in Electric Cars). According to the article, Chinese leaders have adopted a plan aimed at turning the country...